Chapter 12: Looks Expensive

Translator: Krukist

“Wait a moment.”

Just as the marquis and his wife were about to leave, Lin Yu suddenly spoke up, stopping them in their tracks. Nalan Zhan turned around, his expression puzzled. “Young Master Lin, is there something else? I have other urgent matters to attend to…”

Lin Yu smiled, his eyes brimming with confidence. He tilted his head slightly and declared proudly, “To be honest with you, Marquis, and I dare not hide it, I am actually a mediocre physician!”

“Cough, cough, cough…” Ling’er choked on her own breath, coughing violently. Although she knew her brother wasn’t particularly talented in medicine, this was the first time she had heard him admit it so openly—and with such pride, no less!

Brother, are you proud of being a mediocre physician?

Not only was Ling’er confused, but Nalan Zhan and Qin Caiyun were also taken aback. They exchanged glances, silently agreeing: This kid might be a bit slow, this is kind of scary.

Lin Yu quickly realized his mistake and waved his hands to explain. “What I mean is, being a physician is just my cover. My true identity… is actually a chef.”

At this point, Lin Yu flashed a bright, confident smile, revealing two rows of white teeth. “Now you know why I stopped you, right? I can make anything you want to eat…”

Lin Yu’s thoughts were simple. Since the marquis and his wife were here looking for a chef, they must be food enthusiasts. And for foodies, the greatest temptation is, of course, food.

Although he wasn’t a master chef in his previous life, he had watched plenty of cooking shows. In this world, where culinary techniques were monotonous, dominating with his cooking skills would be a breeze. Especially since the Southwestern Marquis and his wife seemed so curious about his abilities…

Lin Yu’s smile widened. Who would have thought his rise to fame would start with a simple chicken stew with mushrooms? But at the same time, he couldn’t help but wonder:

Is my chicken stew really that good? Good enough to attract the marquis and his wife? And who was that girl from this afternoon? Could she really be the legendary young master of the marquis’s household? Lin Yu’s mind was flooded with questions.

Hearing Lin Yu’s words, Nalan Zhan’s eyes narrowed. He said sternly, “Lin Yu, you should understand that if you’re lying to me, the consequences will be severe…”

He quickly deduced that since Lin Yu had emphasized his identity as a “chef,” he must be the mysterious cook Qing Luan had mentioned—the one who had “fed the young lady until she was full.” But looking at Lin Yu’s youthful face and considering his reputation, Nalan Zhan still found it hard to believe.

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Qin Caiyun, however, was growing impatient. Her eyes reddened as she thought of her beloved daughter’s years of suffering, unable to eat even a grain of rice. She tugged at Nalan Zhan’s sleeve and scolded, “You brute, what are you saying?”

She took a deep breath and forced a gentle smile. “If Young Master Lin is indeed a chef, then you must be the person we’re looking for… However, we’re not looking for an ordinary chef. Could you demonstrate your skills?”

Demonstrate his skills?

Lin Yu wanted to, but looking around, he realized there was almost no food left in the house, and he was short on money. He couldn’t possibly serve wild vegetables to the marquis and his wife, could he? Lin Yu’s expression turned troubled.

Qin Caiyun seemed to misinterpret his hesitation. She called out, “Fenghuang.”

A graceful woman suddenly appeared outside the courtyard, dressed in an exquisite Arcane Martialist robe. Lin Yu immediately noticed the three moons and seven stars embroidered on her clothing—just like Qing Luan, she was a Third-Grade Seven-Star Arcane Martialist.

Ling’er, standing nearby, looked at the woman with admiration. An Arcane Martialist of this level could easily be her mentor at Heavenly Cloud Academy. Yet, in the Southwestern Marquis Manor, she seemed to be just a high-ranking servant?

“Fetch some Spirit Stones and prepare some ingredients,” Qin Caiyun instructed. She then pointed to the 500 Spirit Stones on the table and smiled. “If Young Master Lin can satisfy us, these Spirit Stones will be yours.”

Lin Yu had only wanted some ingredients, but now, seeing the Spirit Stones on the table, his breathing quickened. His mind raced, but he maintained a calm exterior. “Madam, this is only the price for the chicken stew with mushrooms from this afternoon.”

Qin Caiyun raised an eyebrow, amused. Lin Yu’s intention was clear—he wanted to negotiate further. It was interesting to see him trembling with excitement yet trying to maintain a composed demeanor.

This young man is more complex than he appears to be. Qin Caiyun glanced at Nalan Zhan, who immediately understood. He smiled and said, “If you can create dishes that satisfy us, we certainly won’t shortchange you.”

With his goal achieved, Lin Yu smiled broadly. “Since the Marquis and Madam have spoken so generously, I won’t hold back. Once the ingredients arrive, I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

Before long, Fenghuang returned with the ingredients. Lin Yu’s eyes widened as he took in the array of delicacies—mountain treasures, seafood, and fresh seasonal vegetables, still glistening with water as if freshly picked.

Is this how the wealthy live?

The Red Jade Chicken alone was worth dozens of Spirit Stones. An ordinary family of three might not spend that much on food in a month. And the Red Jade Chicken wasn’t even the most luxurious item. Lin Yu also spotted a shellfish resembling an oyster, but its shell was a gem-like purple-red, exuding an air of extravagance.

This was the common theme among these ingredients—they all looked incredibly expensive.

Lin Yu glanced at the ingredients. Many were unfamiliar to him, but with his culinary knowledge from his past life, he felt confident he could impress the marquis and his wife. He pointed to the Red Jade Chicken and the purple-red shellfish. “These two will do.”

“Also, prepare some flour and oil… I’m going to fry this.” Lin Yu requested a few more seasonings, and Fenghuang quickly arranged everything. Just as Lin Yu was about to start cooking, a figure suddenly appeared at the courtyard entrance.

“I’d like to see for myself who this master chef is, capable of making Ziyan eat…”

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